First time with an 18" WSM

[fedex]

Found this on CL last week.  The only WSM I've got to use is my 14".  Wow, what a great cooker.  Gonna re think my plans for this now.



Stayed at 250° for six hours




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[MrHoss]

The 14 is a PITA compared to the 18.....and out of the box the 22's door leaks big-time. You gots the best one rights there FedEx.

[fedex]

The 14 is a PITA compared to the 18.....and out of the box the 22's door leaks big-time. You gots the best one rights there FedEx.

Totally agree with you about the 14".  Just haven't used it enough to work out the kinks. 

[wessonjb]

I have the 18 and 22 and want the 14 to complete the set. What makes the 14 harder to use compared to the 18 ?


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[Mike in Roseville]

Congrats! Picked up my 18WSM on Craigslist a few months back for a killer price. Added the CB door + latch. I love it!

I originally wanted a 22WSM, but am really glad I found an 18.

[jcnaz]

@fedex you will love the 18 WSM! I have flipped a few of them, but I will always keep my first one. It will hold a steady temp all night and holds 10-12 hours of fuel.
If your door leaks too much, try putting it in upside-down. They tend to seal better that way.

I have the 18 and 22 and want the 14 to complete the set. What makes the 14 harder to use compared to the 18 ?


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My 14 is great for short 4-6 hour cooks.
It has a small charcoal ring that only holds enough fuel to run that long. Adding additional fuel only goes so far because the ashes start covering the bowl vents and choking the fire out.
I smoked a pork butt in it and had to transfer my fire to a chimney, empty the bowl and start over about 2/3 of the way through the cook.

[toolhead]

I have the 18 and 22 and want the 14 to complete the set. What makes the 14 harder to use compared to the 18 ?


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The 14" is a great cooker..i use it to smoke salmon jerky and it sips on coals.

I wouldnt say its difficult..just need to get to know it..like anything else...

14" is smaller so..only drop 4-6 lit coals to start..and shut down all the dampers...after yousee the temp steady where you want it...start working the dampers.

The 14" temp will take off like a rocket temp wise if you dont start the firing process slowly...and its also difficult to throttle back the temp..make sense given the size.